How proposed changes to whiplash claims could affect you

WHIPLASH is one of the most commonly suffered injuries stemming from road traffic accidents and can cause a great amount of pain and discomfort for those affected.

Last year, the government proposed reforms regarding whiplash claims that could have a wide-reaching impact. But what are they, why are they being suggested and what could it mean for you?

What are the changes?

The Civil Liability Bill, proposed by former Justice Secretary David Gauke in March 2018, is an attempt to reduce the number of whiplash claims being made by motorists in the UK.

Changes were initially put forward in 2016 before being delayed by the general election and a further postponement, in July 2018, means any alterations are not expected to come into force until April 2020 at the earliest.

The plans include a bid to set a fixed rate for compensation claims regarding anyone affected by whiplash for up to two years as well as prohibiting any claims made without certifiable medical evidence. Additionally, the small claims limit for road accidents could be increased from £1,000 to £5,000.

Why are they being made?

In essence, the government are aiming to crack down on fraudulent or frivolous whiplash claims, which cost the insurance industry millions of pounds every year.

When putting forward his bill, MP Gauke said: “The number of whiplash claims has been too high for too long, and is symptomatic of a wider compensation culture.

“We are putting this right through this important legislation, ensuring whiplash claims are no longer an easy payday and that money can be put back in the pockets of millions of law-abiding motorists.”